Trade Show TalesBlog

Ask the Experts: Trade Show Flooring Ideas

December 22nd, 2022 COMMENTS
Trade Show Flooring Ideas

Trade show flooring doesn’t have to be boring. It can be so much more these days with bright colors, direct printing options, and wood grain and stone patterns

Trade show exhibitors spend hours designing their display structure. It makes sense. They want the exhibit to attract attention, communicate the perfect messaging, and facilitate client engagement on the show floor. So they’ll agonize over the graphics, choose the perfect promotional giveaways, and even storyboard a killer video for the video wall. Every single step is made in order to achieve their trade show marketing goals and maximize their return on investment. 

And then, someone will ask about the flooring, and they’ll realize they haven’t considered it. It’s a mistake they wouldn’t have made when remodeling their office or renovating the kitchen in their home. 

Smart exhibitors know that trade show flooring can transform a great booth into the talk of the show. 

Trade Show Flooring Ideas & Tips

Too often, exhibitors default to a solid black, gray, or beige carpet with basic padding. And that’s OK. A neutral carpet may be the best choice for your exhibit presentation and budget. There are, however, other choices such as inlay patterns, custom colors, raised floors, printed flooring, tiles, and vinyl surfaces. Knowing what’s available is the first step. 

Flooring is the second largest surface in any booth. Don’t ignore it. Ask your exhibit and graphic designers to include the flooring in the overall presentation. When designers are encouraged to be creative with flooring, it’s like loosening the cap on a jar. Fun things happen!   

Trade Show Booth Flooring Ideas to Avoid

  1. Selecting the Wrong Color. The flooring should complement your booth graphics, not distract from them. Bright colors can be a hit or a miss depending on the overall design. Along the same lines, neutral colors can be positive or negative. 
  2. Choosing the Wrong Type of Flooring. For example, interlocking tiles, both foam, and vinyl are popular, reusable, and inexpensive. They are a great choice for inlines and smaller shows. However, a custom exhibit, inline or island, demands a more upscale solution that elevates the overall presentation of the booth. 
  3. Padding. Buying padding is an added expense, one many exhibitors decide isn’t worth the money. If you’ve ever walked into a booth with cushy flooring after a long day on concrete floors, you know the impression that makes on your mood and your feet. It matters. Even if you don’t want to reward potential customers with soft flooring, consider how your booth staff will feel after standing on an uncomfortable floor for 6-8 hours 3 days straight. 
  4. Buying the Wrong Flooring for Your Electrical Layout. At North American trade shows, electrical cables are taped to the concrete floor before the carpet, rollable vinyl,  raised floor, or padding is installed. When done well, the cables are nearly invisible under the flooring with no bulges, ripples, or humps. However, not all flooring is equal when it comes to minimizing the effects of those cables. Better flooring and/or double-padding will ensure that the wiring is hidden. 
  5. Installation. If you plan to reuse your flooring, then installing it correctly will ensure it lasts. Professional trade show installers know how to apply tape to minimize damage, how to cut the flooring so the slices are unseen at the next show, and how to protect it before, during, and after the show. If you’ve ever had forklift tracks on your beige carpet on the opening day of the show, you know how maddening that can be. 

Types of Booth Flooring

Carpeting. Carpet is the “go-to” choice for most exhibitors. It’s available in multiple weights (50, 32, and 18 oz) and an array of colors. Advantage XL carpet for example is available in 24 colors, ranging from grays and black to magenta, orange, purple, and blue sea. 32 oz. is by far the most popular weight, representing 65% of total exhibition carpet sales. 

trade show booth flooring ideas

Inlay Carpeting.  Inlays allow designers to use multiple colors to create patterns or pathways in a booth. By mixing bright and neutral colors, exhibitors can reinforce their branding or create a visual story. 

booth flooring

Vinyl Flooring (Flex Flooring). Rollable vinyl floor is easy to install, simple to clean, and durable enough to reuse. Traditional vinyl flooring comes in both wood grain and stone patterns. 

Custom Vinyl Flooring. Two options:  There’s custom inlay flex flooring which can be used to delineate space or highlight products using both vinyl patterns and carpet. There’s also custom-printed vinyl flooring similar to printing on fabric or rigid surfaces on an exhibit. Printed vinyl allows exhibitors to extend their branding and messages on all available surfaces. 

Custom Vinyl Flooring for Trade Shows

Graphic Overlays.  Graphic overlays are a great solution to customize with the ability to remove the graphics after the show. The base flooring can be reused after the event and new overlays printed and installed at the next show in no time. 

Soft Floor Interlocking Tiles. Comfortable, convenient, and economical, SoftFloor 2 ft. x 2 ft. Interlocking tiles are available in 14 colors, They require no adhesives, install quickly, and ship in portable cases. Colors can be mixed and matched to create custom designs. 

Turf. Artificial turf brings the beauty of the outside to the inside with a durable flooring surface. Add turf painting for a distinctive look.  

Infusion Dye Carpet. Exhibit houses have diversified over the years to handle not only their client’s trade show but also their event, marketing, retail, and mobile engagements. Infusion Dye Carpet is distinctive and memorable. Casinos, hotels, high-rise lobbies, and convention centers often have this type of flooring. 

Infusion Dye Carpet

Raised Wood Flooring. Wood flooring is the ultimate high-end addition to any booth. However, it’s neither cheap to rent nor install which makes it special whenever it’s on a trade show floor in North America. In Europe, it’s far more common. Raised wood flooring is the ideal surface for booths with significant electrical or cable management. 

Can You Rent Trade Show Booth Floors?

Absolutely. Not everyone wants to own their flooring. Plus, flooring can be expensive and awkward to ship. Trade show flooring providers and General Service Contractors (GSC) have rental carpet and padding options. These include several carpet weights in popular colors with basic or thicker padding.   

Ask your exhibit house about your options. They may even have rental flooring available as an alternative to renting from the show. 

Trade Show Flooring Ideas with Classic Exhibits

If “flooring is boring” has been your motto in the past, it’s time to up your game. Flooring can be so much more with inlays, overlays, and printing that brings color and texture to your trade show marketing. Review your options early and don’t be afraid to be creative. You just might be surprised at all the compliments you receive when you make bold flooring a must-have in your booth.   

Classic Exhibits has been honored as an Exhibitor Magazine Find-It Top 40 Exhibit Producers and an Event Marketer Fab 50 Exhibit Builders multiple times. Along with numerous Portable Modular Awards. 

With over 200 Distributor Partners throughout North America, there’s a Classic representative close by to assist with any rental project. Contact us today whether you need an inline rental display, a double-deck island exhibit, or a contemporary kiosk rental. At Classic, we’re not just different. We’re better.

A Guide to Portable Exhibits

December 21st, 2022 COMMENTS
Portable Exhibits
VK-1970 Portable Lightbox Exhibit

Portable Exhibits are the backbone of many regional trade shows and events. In fact, most exhibitors start their trade show marketing programs with a portable display, then gradually upgrade to modular or custom exhibits as they participate in larger shows. Their portable display(s) don’t go away. They continue to use them for smaller shows or when a larger exhibit isn’t necessary. 

However, choosing the “Perfect Portable” can be challenging since designs, prices, features, and assembly varies considerably. A casual Internet search will show thousands of choices from hundreds of suppliers. So how do you decide when every display looks great and every description promises an easy setup? Remember that portable displays are no different than any other product. If it seems too good to be true – price, service, and delivery – then be wary, ask questions, and request information about the warranty and return policies. It’s easy to create a beautiful rendering. Designing, building, and delivering a quality display is much, much harder. 

That said, the display you purchase will depend on your budget, your marketing requirements, and your show schedule. Not every exhibitor needs a portable exhibit with all the bells and whistles, like monitor mounts, locking storage, shelves, or backlighting, when a straightforward fabric graphic on a lightweight tube frame is fine. Others, however, need a robust portable with functional accessories that are designed to last years and perform flawlessly from show to show. 

So… let’s begin by transforming you into a knowledgeable portable display buyer. This will ensure you ask the right questions before making a purchase. 

What are Portable Exhibits?

There’s the exhibit industry definition and then there’s the typical portable display buyer definition. The exhibit industry defines a portable as any display that can ship via FedEx or UPS. Meaning the weight and dims fall within their guidelines for ground or air shipments. That’s it. 

The typical portable display buyer, however, would define a portable exhibit as having the following features and/or benefits. 

  1. Lightweight. It can be carried or wheeled into a show by one person. Or at most, two people. 
  2. Assembly. It’s easy to set up with no tools or minimal tools. 
  3. Graphics. Primarily fabric graphics with some direct print graphics.
  4. Packaging. Packs in a nylon carrying case or a roto-molded case with wheels
  5. Installation and Dismantle. Show labor isn’t required to assemble it.

Our Favorite Portable Trade Show Exhibits

“Putting the cart before the horse” is a common mistake when buying an exhibit. Displays buyers become fixated on size and price instead of asking the following:

  • What are our marketing goals for the show or shows?
  • Is this a short-term or long-term purchase?
  • Will we need accessories like shelves, locking storage, tablets, or monitors?
  • And who will be assembling the booth?

Once you’ve answered those questions, it’s time to start shopping. These are five of our favorite portable display systems. 

1. Symphony Portable Exhibits

portable tradeshow exhibits

Symphony blends easy toolless assembly with elegant design and clever accessories. Choose from 8 frame shapes and 16 accessories like portable counters, monitor mounts, iPad clamshells, and wireless charging pads. 

2. Sacagawea Portable Displays

portable trade show exhibits

The affordable Sacagawea Portable is a contemporary display designed with lightweight engineered aluminum and vibrant tension fabric graphics. Using knob-assisted assembly, the Sacagawea sets up quickly, typically in less than 40 minutes for a 10 ft. display. 

3. Tension Fabric Pop-up Displays

portable trade booth exhibits

The Fabric Pop-up Display is popular with exhibitors for local shows or events. It’s portable, attractive, and assembles in minutes making it the ideal choice for both novices and seasoned exhibitors. Choose from over 60 designs, including backlit options.  

4. Banner Stands

Portable Exhibits Banner Stands

Banner Stands are a must-have item for recruiting fairs, retail displays, events, and exhibitions. Choose from retractable units, telescoping, and eco-friendly stands. Add a banner stand to update an existing display or combine multiple units to create a dramatic back wall.

5. Portable LED Lightboxes

Portable Exhibits LED Lightbox

LED Lightboxes have become the star attraction at many trade shows. They include vibrant Silicone Edge Fabric Graphics (SEG), lightweight aluminum extrusion, and long-lasting LED lights. SEG fabric graphics are easy-to-install, durable, and colorful. LED light modules come installed on the frames, making set-up quick and trouble-free.

6 Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Portable Trade Booth Exhibit

#1. Price. Or when the price is not the price… Many portable display websites show really low prices, which are merely the starting point. You then have to add graphics, accessories, cases, and shipping which can increase the price by as much as 3X to 6X.

Not all portable websites are constructed this way so it’s important to compare the “build a bear” pricing with the “what you see is what you get” pricing.  

#2. Quality. You might not like to hear this, but the price is a pretty good guide. Higher-quality systems with a proven track record tend to cost more. They use sturdier frames, stronger connections, and better cases and packaging (but more on that later).

Always ask about the warranty and the return policy. Quality display products are backed by strong warranties and reasonable return policies.

#3. Assembly.  Assembly matters but probably not as much as you think. Some require tools. Others do not, which shouldn’t be the only determining factor when choosing a portable display. Is the assembly process intuitive? Are the parts labeled and numbered? How stable is the display when it’s done?

Remember… you will be assembling the display multiple times over months or even years. Each time it should be faster and easier to set up.

Portable Trade Show Display
TF-410 Portable Trade Show Display

#4. Graphics. If you’ve shopped for a TV recently, you know the same size screen can vary in price, often by hundreds in not thousands of dollars. Graphics vary too. Low-quality graphics are printed on older machines, using thinner materials, and use less ink per square inch.

Just as important is the fit of the frame. Too loose and the graphic appears sloppy and cheap. Too tight and the images are distorted and fitting them to the frame is like putting pants on a sleeping bear. 

#5. Replacement Parts. Some portable systems are considered disposable by the manufacturer. If you lose a part, then your only option is to buy a whole new display. With others, getting a replacement part to match your frame is nearly impossible.

Better portable displays are designed and manufactured with exact-fit tolerances and interchangeable parts. The parts are available via quick shipping.

#6. Packaging. Poor packaging contributes to lost parts, damaged components, dirty graphics, assembly frustration, and overall long-term satisfaction with a portable display.

High-quality portable systems use reusable packaging, like foam inserts, nylon bags, and heavy-duty corrugated boxes. Everything has a spot and every item is protected during shipping. 

Your Partner for Portable Exhibits

Purchasing a trade show display, regardless of the size or price, is a sales and marketing investment. If you’ve ever walked a trade show floor and said to yourself, “Seriously dude?!” about someone’s display then you know the harm a cheap portable display can do to your image. Before buying a display, consider meeting with a Trade Show Exhibit Professional to discuss your needs and marketing goals.

Classic Exhibits has been honored as an Exhibitor Magazine Find-It Top 40 Exhibit Producers and an Event Marketer Fab 50 Exhibit Builders multiple times. Along with numerous Portable Modular Awards.

With over 200 Distributor Partners throughout North America, there’s a Classic representative close by to assist with any rental project. Contact us today whether you need an inline rental display, a double-deck island exhibit, or a contemporary kiosk rental. At Classic, we’re not just different. We’re better.

Phone Charging Station: A Buyer’s Guide

December 19th, 2022 COMMENTS
Charging Solutions at Trade Shows and Events
Charging Solutions at Trade Shows and Events

In today’s trade show environment, power matters. Electrical power that is. The exhibits with easy, fast, and uncomplicated charging stations are destinations for attendees. Having a charging station almost guarantees more booth traffic, and since charging any device takes time, your “charging” sales leads will be qualified. Plus, there’s not a booth staffer in the world who doesn’t love having a charging solution for their phone within reach.  No more wandering the show floor in search of a 110 outlet. 

We’re all addicted to our smartphones and tablets. And when our battery indicator edges dangerously close to 25%, we start to panic. Rightfully so. We need these devices to conduct business and stay in touch with family and colleagues, like at a trade show or exhibition. Savvy exhibitors are adding charging options, like dedicated kiosks or charging ports/pads into their exhibit design in counters, tables, and pedestals. 

Why Invest in a Phone Charging Station for your Event?

Ten years ago, charging stations were an attraction. Five years ago, they were a convenience. Now, they’re an expectation. Not having charging options, whether wired or wireless, says to potential clients and to your staff that you just don’t care. That you’re fine with them wandering the floor in search of a connection. 

Connections Lead to Conversations: Charging takes time. That time allows people to chat and learn more about one another and their business needs. Conversations are good. Think of charging stations as the 21st Century water cooler. Want to know the latest gossip or tap into the latest trends? Hang out at the charging station.

Charging Sends the Right Message: Ever see someone sitting on the floor at an airport, convention center, or event charging their phone or tablet? Was that someone you? Then think of those times when a convenient charging option was available where you could sit, relax, eat, and talk with other people. Which one made you happier?

Charging is Inexpensive: Not so long ago, charging kiosks were ugly and expensive. More like electrical octopuses than an attractive accessory in your booth or at your event. Anymore, charging can be incorporated into counters, pedestals, tables, and stands at a modest price. Best of all, those counters, etc. will not only match your overall design aesthetic but also be inconspicuous (yet easily available). 

Phone Charging Station: Our Top Picks

Towers

MOD-1470 | Power Tower: The Power Tower is available in three designs, all with two-sided backlit graphics and multiple charging pads. These standalone kiosks are elegant yet rugged enough to survive years of trade shows and events. 

wireless charging station

MOD-1475 | Lightbox Stand: Think of it as a visual beacon attracting clients. The stand includes large double-sided backlit graphics and (4) wireless/USB pads. It even has LED accent lighting around the countertop for an added design flair.  

MOD-1474 | Monitor Stan: Back-to-back monitors make this an ideal choice for sharing information about products and services while charging a phone, computer, or tablet. 

Conference Tables

MOD-1488 | Conference Table: At 72” L x 42” W, this executive conference table with charging pads is perfect for a meeting room or an island exhibit.

phone charging station table

MOD-1482 | Charging Table: A stylish and upscale table for meetings with potential clients at an exhibition. 

small phone charging station table

Bistro, Coffee, and End Tables

MOD-1465 | Bistro Table: A modular table complete with LED accent lighting and wireless charging pads. Options include RGB programmable lights and graphics. 

bistro phone charging station table

MOD-1464 | Coffee Table and MOD-1466 | End Table: These coffee and end tables match the bistro table. Ideal for larger exhibits with meeting rooms and casual seating. 

coffee table phone charger

Charging Counters

MOD-1721 | Backlit Counter: This backlit L-shaped counter is guaranteed to attract attention. Complete with charging pads and locking storage. 

phone charging counter

MOD-1707 | Parsons Counter: Parsons counters are quickly becoming a trade show favorite of exhibitors. It’s the ideal height for demos or promotional products. Comes with a backlit logo and locking storage. 

GOD-1558c | Modular Counter: This large modular counter assembles quickly. Includes charging pads, a large fabric graphic, and locking storage. 

custom phone charging station

What Are My Wireless and USB Charging Station Options?

We make this almost too easy. Charging solutions can be designed into any inline, island, or accessory like counters, pedestals, or tables. Unsure about where you need wireless or USB charging? We make that decision easy since our charging pads include a wireless pad and USB A and C connections.  

Click here to explore 67 charging solution designs. Better yet, remember that charging pads can be added to any of the 1700 exhibit designs in Exhibit Design Search

Stay Connected with a Phone Charging Station from Classic Exhibits

When it comes to phone charging options for a trade show or event, Classic Exhibits has the widest selection. Choose from existing counters, kiosks, stations, tables, or pedestals, or add charging to hundreds of accessories both for purchase and rental. There’s a solution for any budget. 

Classic Exhibits has been honored as an Exhibitor Magazine Find-It Top 40 Exhibit Producers and an Event Marketer Fab 50 Exhibit Builders multiple times. Along with numerous Portable Modular Awards. 

With over 200 Distributor Partners throughout North America, there’s a Classic representative close by to assist with any rental project. Contact us today whether you need an inline rental display, a double-deck island exhibit, or a contemporary kiosk rental. At Classic, we’re not just different. We’re better.

Portable Trade Show Counters

December 19th, 2022 COMMENTS
Portable Counters and Pedestals
Portable Trade Show Counters

Portable trade show counters get a bad rap… and it’s not unwarranted. They’re basic, inexpensive, and easy-to-assemble. Which makes them perfect for portable displays but largely ignored for modular or even custom designs. 

Let’s reset those expectations. At Classic, our portable counters are inexpensive and easy-to-assemble, just like all the others on the market. However, they are also stylish, functional, and include three features rarely found on other portable counters. 

1. Locking Door. Have you ever met an exhibitor who didn’t want secure storage? Of the 46 portable counters in Exhibit Design Search, 32 have a locking door. 
2. Secure Countertop. What’s the point of storage if the countertop isn’t attached to the base? Every Classic countertop — portable, modular, or custom – has a locking feature or attached countertop. 
3. Shelves. Shelves are important, whether internal or external, yet they’re often treated as a luxury. They’re not

Finally, with a few exceptions, you can choose any laminate, as long as you select standard laminates from the major manufacturers. That’s important! Below are examples of Symphony Portable Counters, some of our most popular portable counter designs.

Symphony Portable Trade Show Counters
Symphony Portable Trade Show Counters
Symphony Portable Trade Show Counters



Classic Exhibits has been honored as an Exhibitor Magazine Find-It Top 40 Exhibit Producers and an Event Marketer Fab 50 Exhibit Builders multiple times. Along with numerous Portable Modular Awards. 

With over 200 Distributor Partners throughout North America, there’s a Classic representative close by to assist with any rental project. Contact us today whether you need an inline rental display, a double-deck island exhibit, or a contemporary kiosk rental. At Classic, we’re not just different. We’re better.

Shorter Production Lead Times on ALL ORDERS

December 12th, 2022 COMMENTS

Happy Holidays All!

It was great seeing so many of you last week at EDPA ACCESS in San Antonio. I am not sure if you felt the same, but the connectedness of the industry and the renewed strength of our community was energizing!

In Design Monday last week, we mentioned our improved production schedule. As supply chain issues have dwindled, Classic has reverted to our pre-pandemic lead times. In many cases, we’ve shaved nearly a week off some kits in EDS.

However, not all challenges are gone. We continue to hire at Classic and while that jar seems to have loosened, it will take time to find the ideal employees. We’re still very picky when it comes to adding folks to our close-knit family. But even with that, HUGE KUDOS to our Production, Customer Service, and Design Teams in new builds and rentals. They have done an amazing job getting us fully prepared for the coming mayhem that is always Q1.

Assigning Orders Based on Size/Complexity

A big part of the shorter lead-times is our ability to turnaround orders more efficiently. Every order is assigned points based on the size and complexity. These points feed into our Production Schedule, which is reviewed by Production and Customer Service.

So, if you see a 10-15+ business day lead time for example, ask your PM what the current timeline is based on this schedule. It may be 10, 12, or 15 days based on the Production Schedule. Once we lock your order into a date, its locked assuming your client gets us graphic files on time (like they always do 😊).

As we continue to rebound as an industry, I want to extend our thanks for your partnership.

Look for our Annual State of Company Letter in early January with much more exciting news to share.

Have a safe and happy holiday season.

Kevin Carty
EVP, Classic Exhibits Inc.